South Africa: Ceres Fruit Growers strike finally over - FreshFruitPortal.com

South Africa: Ceres Fruit Growers strike finally over

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South Africa: Ceres Fruit Growers strike finally over

A strike action that crippled the operations of Ceres Fruit Growers (CFG) in the Western Cape since the beginning of September has come to an end. apples shutterstock

The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) reached an agreement with CFG last night (Oct. 13) after weeks of negotiations as part of the pay dispute.

CFG managing director Francois Malan says he is 'grateful' and 'relieved'.

"We acknowledge the pivotal role played by the CCMA Commissioners and the senior leadership of FAWU in forging this deal," he says in a statement sent to www.freshfruitportal.com.

"We have a big challenge to get our operations back on track and to get to work.

"Ceres workers are more than R7 million (US$519,474) poorer because of the unprotected strike and this action has also cost CFG and its growers about R10 million (US$742,106)."

During the prolonged industrial action, CFG property has been damaged in an arson attack while other neighboring buildings that do not belong to CFG have also been set alight.

Previously, Malan told www.freshfruitportal.com fruit shortages were becoming a 'pending reality' as the strike continued into its sixth week.

"We will access the material damage caused to our business in due course, but more importantly, we need to re-establish a good working relationship with our staff."

In a release, FAWU said an 8.25% wage rise was reached, as well as a 1% increase on current long service awards and a FAWU funeral plan which is 100 % paid by the employer.

"The total package amounts to 9.55% which is about what our members have revised their initial offer to," FAWU said.

"Workers have been briefed this morning about the deal and is expected to return to work by Monday, 19 October 2015 upon which the employer will award each employee with R 500 [US$37.50] as a form of "return to work bonus".

"The union's demand of R 1000 [US$75] profit-sharing scheme (once-off annually) has been referred to the CCMA as a wage differential matter for arbitration. The increases will be backdated from August 1, 2015."

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

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